Imphal: Security agencies in Manipur intensified counter-insurgency operations over the past 24 hours, arresting five militants from different insurgent groups and recovering a cache of explosives near the India–Myanmar border, officials said on Sunday.
According to police, several mortars and two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were recovered from the Yangoubung area under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district, close to the international border.
The explosives were later safely neutralised by a bomb disposal squad.
The arrested militants were identified as members of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
They were apprehended from different locations across Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts.
Police said the accused were allegedly involved in extortion and other criminal activities, including forcibly collecting “subscriptions” from traders, contractors, government employees and civilians.
In a parallel operation, a joint team of security forces and the Forest Department destroyed nearly 70 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in the Sihai hill range under Ukhrul police station in Ukhrul district.
Officials said the action thwarted the production of opium worth several crores of rupees, and four huts found at the cultivation sites were also demolished.
Authorities said extensive security measures remain in force across the state.
Central and state security agencies are continuing search operations, area domination drives and counter-insurgency patrols in fringe and vulnerable areas.
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A total of 114 checkpoints and nakas have been imposed across valley and hill districts to monitor movement and prevent infiltration.
Security personnel are also escorting vehicles, including trucks carrying essential commodities, along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), with convoy protection in place on sensitive stretches to ensure safe passage.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police appealed to the public to remain vigilant against misinformation.
Citizens were urged not to believe rumours or circulate unverified audio or video content on social media, warning that legal action would be taken against those spreading fake information.
